Old Habs 1st XV vs North Walsham 1st XV

After 3 weeks off Old Habs were back in action at Fortress Croxdale looking to build on an impressive performance last time against Old Priorians. With the clubhouse awash with colour thanks to two magnificent, and colourful, additions to the Old Haberdasher's stash collection everything was set for a fantastic afternoon.

With the game being played on the 2nd team pitch while the main pitch continued its recovery from the recent weather Old Habs started the game playing up the hill and into the wind. Habs started brightly and were rewarded with an early kickable penalty which McGhee smashed straight through the uprights. 3-0 Habs.

North Walsham hit back quickly with a try that I am sure will be bought up again at the Habs end of season dinner. 7-3 Walsham. Habs responded well to the set back and fought their way up the hill but were unable to turn any pressure into points. The best opportunity of the half fell to George Seabrook who took advantage of a loose ball well inside the Habs half to charge up the touchline but the Walsham winger made up good ground to force a knock on with the try line begging. 7-3 at Half time.

Walsham started the second half with a period of pressure without ever looking like breaking the line. However they won ( were gifted) a penalty in front of the posts to stretch the lead to 7 points. 10-3 Walsham. This was however the last time play was taken into the Habs 22. With the hill and wind in Habs favour coupled with now complete dominance at scrum time Habs started to turn the screw. Following a period of sustained pressure on the Walsham line and another butchered overlap by the Habs backs play was bought back for a scrum and it was left to the pack to march the North Walsham pack over the line with James Clark touching down. 10-10.

The last 10 minutes were played in the Walsham half with continued pressure. Jonny Whittle went close with an outrageous drop goal attempt but it was a penalty from McGhee and a try from Seabrook who managed to put the ball down this time that put the game to bed. 20 -10 Habs.

Special mention to debutant Fisher for an impressive cameo of the bench until injury curtailed his afternoon and to Conor whose knee we hope isnt injured too badly.

An impressive win for Habs built on dominance at scrum time. Which on a day when Sanderson Snr joined his baby brother with 200 caps for the 1st XV seemed wholly appropriate.

Roll on Eton Manor and the rest of the season.